The town of Madawaska is considering a measure that would require drug testing for anyone asking for state assistance.

The rules would apply to the General Assistance program, which is run by the state and provides money for things like food. It will be discussed at Tuesday's Board of Selectmen's meeting.

Town Manager Ryan Pelletier says Madawaska has a workfare program that treats recipients from the General Assistance Program as if they were town employees, who are subject to drug screening. The rule change would extend that requirement to all recipients.

The recommendation is expected to be put forth in August and a vote could follow, possibly in the form of a referendum question for voters. Madawaska gave assistance to 45 people last year, for a total of about $16,000 in benefits.

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